The Flood and the Man of Righteousness

The story of the great flood is as much of a story about God as Noah. This fact introduces a third truth: The first is that God judges sin with death. The second is that God also provides mercy. The third is that Noah trusted God.

Since Noah’s introduction, we’ve come to expect him to be a man of righteousness. His father thought he would bring the people relief from the pangs of sin. He is called blameless and one who walks with God. In fact, God even said to him, “I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.” However, the strongest evidence is found in his repeated obedience.

When God told Noah to build an ark, which was a strange and difficult task, “Noah did all that God commanded him.” When God told Noah to go into the ark, “Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.” Seven days before the flood, he did “as God commanded Noah.” Just before God shut the ark door, Noah “went in as God had commanded him.” Get the picture? Noah was a righteous man. He believed God and did as God said no matter how strange and how difficult it was.

For this reason, Noah depicts for us something bigger than himself—namely, the wounded victor God promised in the garden. Noah brought relief. God instructed Noah alone to lead others into salvation. He walked closely with God and obeyed Him. He was righteous. He was faithful. He received the covenant God made. He was the man of righteousness and a foreshadowing of God’s promise.

Reflections

1. What do you think Noah faced while he obeyed God all those years? What kind of faith would it take to obey such a strange command of God?
2. How do you think God feels about those who trust in Him? How does He act toward them?
3. What does this story inspire you to do this week? What has God commanded you to do that seems strange to the world around you?

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